Wat Bot

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Bot, widely known today as Wat Bot Luang Pu Thian, is one of the oldest and most culturally significant temples in Pathum Thani. Located in Ban Klang Subdistrict on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River, this historic temple combines Ayutthaya-era origins, Mon heritage, sacred objects, and strong local devotion. For travelers looking for a temple near Bangkok that offers both history and living faith, Wat Bot is one of the most compelling places to visit in Mueang Pathum Thani.

 

The temple was originally known as Wat Soi Nang Hong. It was founded in 1621 by Mon settlers who migrated from Hongsawadi. The old name and the symbolic use of the swan pillar linked to Hongsawadi reflect the temple’s Mon roots very clearly. Wat Bot later received its royal ordination boundary in 1624, confirming its long-standing religious importance in the area.

 

What makes Wat Bot especially interesting is that it is not only an old temple with historical value, but also an active religious center that still draws large numbers of worshippers. The temple is deeply associated with Luang Pu Thian, or Phra Khru Boworn Thammakit, a highly respected monk of Pathum Thani. Because of this connection, many visitors now refer to the temple simply as Wat Bot Luang Pu Thian.

 

One of the temple’s most important highlights is the old Mon-style viharn, often referred to today as the 400-year-old viharn. This historic structure has become the spiritual heart of the temple and a major reason why many people travel here. Inside, worshippers come to pay respect to sacred Buddha images and seek blessings in a setting that still carries the atmosphere of an older riverside Mon temple community.

 

Wat Bot also preserves several important historic objects. Among them is Phra Saeng Arsit, an old sacred object from the Mon tradition. The temple also houses the remarkable four-headed elephant ornaments and a bronze pavilion finial once used with the swan pillar. These objects are more than decorative remnants. They are material evidence of the temple’s long cultural connection to the Mon world and its symbolic past.

 

Another well-known object at Wat Bot is the lead-cast statue of Ya Lae’s dog, which is tied to royal history and the memory of old Pathum Thani. Stories connected with this object have added another layer of interest to the temple, making it a place where local faith, historical memory, and old court-era associations come together in one site.

 

In recent years, Wat Bot has drawn even more attention because of the restoration and structural lifting of the ancient viharn. This work has brought renewed public focus to the temple as a rare old religious site that is being actively preserved rather than simply remembered. For many visitors, seeing a more than 400-year-old sacred structure still standing and still in use is one of the strongest reasons to come.

 

For worshippers, the temple is best known today for visits to Luang Pho Som Prathana, as well as respect paid to Luang Pu Thian, Thao Wessuwan, and the royal monument of King Taksin the Great. This combination of old sacred heritage and contemporary devotional practice gives Wat Bot a very broad appeal. Some people come for history, some for architecture, and many come for merit-making and blessings.

 

Wat Bot also stands out as an important Mon temple in Pathum Thani. Its early history, old name, sacred objects, and symbolic traditions all point back to the Mon communities that helped shape the province. For travelers interested in cultural history, the temple offers much more than a quick photo stop. It provides a direct connection to the identity of Pathum Thani as a province strongly influenced by Mon settlement and riverside religious life.

 

The temple remains active today and continues to develop. Recent reports have referred to Phra Ratchamaha Chediyaphiban (Toesak Suntarawadee) as the acting abbot, showing that Wat Bot still plays a living role in the religious and social life of the local community.

 

The setting of Wat Bot is another advantage. Because it is located in Ban Klang and not far from the central Pathum Thani area, the temple can easily be included in a one-day cultural trip. Nearby attractions include Wat Sanchao, the Wat Sanchao riverside market, Sian Pae Rongsi Shrine, Wat Makham, and Wat Hong Pathumawat. This makes Wat Bot a strong anchor point for a temple-and-riverside itinerary close to Bangkok.

 

Getting There is straightforward. From central Pathum Thani, cross the Pathum Thani Bridge to the eastern side of the Chao Phraya River. After crossing, turn left and use the under-bridge return point to access the road leading to the temple, which stands on the opposite side of the main road in Ban Klang. If you are using navigation, searching for “Wat Bot Luang Pu Thian” is the easiest method.

 

Travelers using public transport can first reach the Pathum Thani town area and continue by local motorcycle taxi or hired transport. Since the temple is close to local restaurants and riverside cafés, many visitors choose to combine a temple visit with a meal or coffee stop nearby.

 

In summary, Wat Bot is one of the most distinctive temples in Pathum Thani. Its Ayutthaya-era foundation, Mon heritage, old sacred viharn, important ritual objects, and continuing religious life make it much more than a local temple. It is a place where history, belief, community memory, and present-day devotion still meet in a meaningful way.

 

 

A: Wat Bot is located in Moo 5, Ban Klang Subdistrict, Mueang Pathum Thani District, on the eastern side of the Chao Phraya River.

 

A: The temple was founded in 1621 by Mon settlers from Hongsawadi and received its royal ordination boundary in 1624.

 

A: Wat Bot is important because it is an old Mon temple with Ayutthaya-era roots, preserved sacred objects, and a strong association with Luang Pu Thian and local Pathum Thani history.

 

A: The major highlights include the 400-year-old viharn, Luang Pho Som Prathana, Luang Pu Thian, Phra Saeng Arsit, the four-headed elephant ornaments, and the Ya Lae dog statue.

 

A: Wat Bot is generally open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

 

A: No. Wat Bot does not charge an admission fee.

 

A: Cross the Pathum Thani Bridge to the eastern riverbank, turn left, use the under-bridge return point, and continue toward the temple in Ban Klang.